Easy to roll curved edge cigarette rolling paper

ABSTRACT

A cigarette rolling paper that has three straight edges and one edge curved so that the curved edge can easily be tucked in as the user starts to roll the cigarette, without catching on a corner, which is one of the problems when hand-rolling. With traditional rectangular papers, the top and bottom edge must remain parallel to each other or the leading corner gets caught up and doesn&#39;t tuck. This common challenge is somewhat hard to avoid. The curved edge provides increased tolerance for this inaccuracy, and facilitates an easy roll.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/976,036 entitled EASY TO ROLLCURVED EDGE CIGARETTE ROLLING PAPER filed Apr. 7, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to cigarette rolling papers and,more particularly, to a cigarette rolling paper which has a curved edgewhich serves to facilitate rolling a cigarette with the paper, as iteliminates the corners of the traditional rectangular rolling paper,which become an obstacle if the top and bottom edges of the paper arenot kept parallel to each other as the cigarette is rolled, a commonproblem.

2. The Prior Art

Conventionally cigarette rolling papers are rectangular thin tissue-likepaper. The standard diameter of a cigarette is generally around 8 mm andthe length also varies, but is on the order of 65 mm. Hand-rollingcigarettes is an ancient art, hundreds of years old, and requires someskill. There have been gadgets developed to make it easier. In both thecases of hand-rolling without any equipment, and with the commonhand-rolling machines, which are built to feed common rectangularpapers, there is a problem that the top and bottom edges of the paperhave to be kept parallel, or the leading corner will bind up as youstart to roll.

One rolling paper design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,289,975 entitledCigarette Wrapper. The main rectangular rolling paper has a closuretongue 12 and a holding strip 14 extending off a lower corner thereof.The holding strip helps keep the tobacco in place while the paper isrolled. The closure tongue then prevents tobacco from coming out intothe mouth of the user. A further rolling paper design is shown in U.S.Pat. No. 4,114,629 entitled Cigarette Rolling Paper with Integral Pouch.A pouch is formed at the lower edge of the rolling paper to hold thetobacco during rolling. Tear strips at either end allow the edges of thepouch to be removed after rolling to expose the tobacco. Both of thesepatents utilize extra material which can increase costs and detract fromthe cigarette enjoyment.

When rolling a cigarette, the user takes the flat paper and folds it toform a pouch in a u- or v-shape to hold the smoking material. The nearand far edges are referred to hear as the bottom and top edges,respectively. The near edge is kept short, and has the edge that istucked in to start the roll. The far edge, top, has the edge which sealsthe cigarette at the end when it is rolled up. The user rolls the nearedge up into the far edge to form the final cylindrical cigarette shape.The top edge is often treated with glue to seal the cylinder, but thatis sometimes omitted, on glueless papers, which self-seal when activatedby moistening, typically with saliva.

Years ago, Zig-Zag, one of the venerable established cigarette rollingpaper companies, came out with an innovation to address this problem,they produced papers with the corners cut off. People had done that foryears, and it helped with this problem. It works well. The Zig-ZagKutKorners papers are still available. There have been no othersuccessful designs to address this problem, nor many other innovationsat all in this stable mature market since the Zig-Zag KutKorner paperscame out.

There are EZ-wider papers, which are just larger and heavier rectangularpapers, which allow you to get out of parallel and catch a corner andstill just keep rolling up because there is so much paper. But smokingmore paper is not desirable.

The Zig-Zag KutKorners are good, but the total elimination of theproblem catching the corner of the rolling paper is desirable, anddramatically extends the primitive advantage of the Zig-Zag KutKorners,and individual discoverers of coin coupe as a folkway, cut corners, asregards rolling papers.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a simple rolling paperdesign that is relatively economical to produce and facilitates therolling of cigarettes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is, therefore, provided in the practice of this invention, acigarette rolling paper with a curved shape at the starting edge. Thecurved edge being opposite the glued edge or unglued straight sealingedge in the case of glueless papers. The start and end points of thecurve are on opposite sides of the paper, at a dimension approximatelyone-quarter (¼) of the target circumference of the cigarette beingrolled from the cut edge. Constraining the region of the cut to thefirst quarter of the circumference minimizes waste paper while still thesmoking material is well-supported by the full width of the paper as thecurved edge is tucked into the far side of the pouch of smokingmaterial. The curved edge 22 is then tucked into the bottom of the papersurface 20 on the opposite side of the packed cigarette and the roll-upis begun.

In a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cigaretterolling paper having one edge shaped as a convex curve and threestraight edges. The curve is a generally smooth continuous arc with nosignificant corners or inflection points. The curve may be of variousshapes for example a regular arc, an irregular arc, a circular arc, anoval arc and a complex arc.

The cigarette rolling paper is adapted to roll into a cigarette having acircumference, wherein said curve includes a deflection having a lengthapproximately ¼ of the circumference. The curve deflection isproportional to the size of the rolling paper. The curve includes amidpoint that is located in the middle of the cigarette rolling paper.The curve includes one deflection at each end of the cigarette rollingpaper.

The paper further includes glue at one end of the cigarette rollingpaper opposite the curve. The cigarette rolling paper is adapted to rollinto a cigarette beginning at the curve and ending at the glue end. Thecigarette rolling paper comprises cigarette papers of any size ormaterial.

According to a second embodiment, there is provided an apparatus forhand rolling a cigarette including a cigarette rolling paper having agenerally rectangular shape with three rectilinear sides and a onecurved side. The three rectilinear sides form three sides of a regularrectangle including (i) a first rectilinear side oriented perpendicularto a second rectilinear side, (ii) a third rectilinear side orientedperpendicular to the second rectilinear side, and (iii) the firstrectilinear side being parallel to the third rectilinear side. Thecurved side is an elliptical arc having an arch height and an arch widththat contacts the end points of the first and third rectilinear sides toform a closed figure. The cigarette rolling paper has reflectivesymmetry about a central axis that is collinear with the arc height.

The curved side is devoid of angular edges or sharp corners. The secondrectilinear side has a width W, and the arc is part of an ellipse havinga major axis, wherein the length of the major axis is between 1 and 10times the width W. The first and third rectilinear sides have a length Lminus deflection, and the arc is part of an ellipse having an archheight, wherein the length of the arch height is between ⅕ and ⅛ timesthe length L. The cigarette rolling paper is made from a materialsuitable for burning and human inhalation. Length L may also beconsidered the overall length of the paper from end-to-end.

The cigarette rolling paper has a thickness between about 0.25 mm andabout 2.00 mm, a length L between about 60 mm and about 100 mm, and awidth W between about 35 mm and about 45 mm. The elliptical arc is ageometric segment from an ellipse having a major axis that is betweenabout 2 times and about 10 times the length of the minor axis. Theregion between the elliptical arc and the first and third rectilinearsides comprises a slope matched transition and includes a curvaturedifferent from the central portion of the elliptical arc. The cigaretterolling paper is made from a material selected from cellulose, plantfibers, rice, flax, hemp and tobacco.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the inventionwill appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrativeembodiments now to be described in detail in connection withaccompanying drawings. In the drawings wherein like reference numeralsdenote similar components throughout the views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of rolling a cigarette with a prior artrectangular rolling paper.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a prior art rolling paper having arectangular shape.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a prior art rolling paper have cut corners.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a rolling paper with acurved edge according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the rolling paper according to theinvention with an adhesive strip opposite the curved edge.

FIG. 6 a top plan view of the rolling paper according to the inventionwith an adhesive strip opposite the curved edge.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the rolling paper according to theinvention with the first roll formed.

FIG. 8 is a front side elevational view of the rolling paper accordingto the invention with the first roll formed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the geometry of the elliptical arc.

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing showing the relationships between theelliptical arc and the paper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention relates to cigarette papers having a curved edge whichmakes that edge very easy to tuck in and roll up.

In a rolling process using a prior art rectangular paper 2 as shown inFIG. 1, the leading corner 1 of the bottom edge of rectangular paper 2,has caught and is not tucking in. FIG. 2 shows this paper laid out flatwith the conventional corner 1 having a right angle. FIG. 3 shows animproved paper design where a section has been cut from corner 5 therebyeliminating the corner at the tucking edge 3. However, corner 5 stillhas two angular edges or sharp corners on each side that can bind if therolling paper is not perfectly aligned at the outset of the rollingprocess.

FIG. 4 shows a rolling paper or paper 10, having a curved edge 12according to an embodiment of the invention. Note that in the cornerregion 14 there are no longer angular edges or sharp corners. Curvededge 12 is the starting edge or tucking edge, used to begin the rollingprocess. The curved tucking edge 12 is the most elegant solution toprovide the optimal tolerance for the normal not quite straight handrollup.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further embodiment of the curved edge 22 of theinvention formed on paper 20 having a strip of glue 26 at the sealingedge. The presence of glue is an optional feature. The curved edge worksequally well on both plain and glued papers. The curved edge is designedto facilitate the beginning of the rolling process. The glue is used atthe end of the rolling process.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the initial roll, without tobacco for thesake of clarity. The roll forms a cylinder having a circumference. Thecurved edge 22 is shown as extending from the 9:00 position to the 12:00position. Thus the curved edge 22 extends ¼ of the circumference of thecigarette. Any smooth curve in this region will assist to make rollingeasier, but the ¼ dimension is optimal. The specific character anddimensions of the curve are determined by the overall dimensions of thepaper, and this invention works for any size paper or material. FIG. 8shows the middle point of the arc 22 has been tucked into the far edgeof the paper 20 as the rolling begins. Since the paper curves away fromthe middle point toward the edge of the paper, there is less materialpresent at the troublesome corners, and the likelihood of binding isgreatly reduced or eliminated. The adhesive 26 will be contacted whenthe cylindrical roll has reached the top of paper 20.

The paper according to the invention includes a smooth curved edge onone side of an otherwise rectangular shape. The curved edge may have avariety of geometries contemplated by the invention, for example,circular, oval or arc shaped.

In one embodiment the curved edge has an elliptical shape. FIG. 9 showsan ellipse 40 having a major axis 42 across the widest section of theellipse and a minor axis 50 across the narrowest section of the ellipse.The major axis 42 corresponds to a first arch height of 52 measuredorthogonal from the major axis 42 to the top 40 a of the ellipse. Thearch width 44 corresponds to a second arch height 54 measured orthogonalfrom the arch width 44 to the top 40 a of the ellipse. The curved edgeof the invention may include any shape from the major axis 42 up to thetop 40 a of the ellipse.

FIG. 10 illustrates the section above arch width 44 to top 40 a ascomprising the curved edge 22 of paper 20. Curved edge 22 represents thebottom of the paper where the tobacco is placed and the rolling processbegins. The left side of paper 20 optionally includes adhesive 26 toseal the cigarette once the rolling process is complete. A minor axissegment 50 a, which represents the largest dimension of the curve islocated in the center of paper 20. More particularly, minor axis segment50 a extends collinear to line 60 which represents an axis of symmetryfor paper 20. In other words, if paper 20 is folded along line 60, thetwo halves will have an identical shape. It is axiomatic that thecentral angle 44 a of the arch width 44 is 180 degrees. The first archwidth segment 44 c extending orthogonal from line 60 to the right edgeof paper is equal in length to the second arch width segment 44 dextending orthogonal from line 60 to the opposite left edge of paper 20.

Paper 20 includes a width W. The curved edge is a section from anellipse. The ellipse includes a major axis. The major axis 42 has alength that is between 1 and 10 time longer than width W. Note therelationship of width W is in comparison to the major axis, even when anarrower arch width is used on the actual paper. Ellipses may beselected from the group having a major axis that is between 2 and 10time the length of the minor axis. The region between the elliptical arc22 and the first and third rectilinear sides may have a smooth roundedtransition which may be slope shaped or filleted. This roundedtransition or fillet may have a curvature different than the centralportion of the elliptical arc.

Paper 20 includes a length L. In general, the length L will be greaterthan the width W. At the shortest, assume W is five units in width, andthe paper will be rolled one and one-quarter revolutions, with onerevolution taking up four units. The resulting cigarette will have acircumference of 4 units, with a one unit overlap. Arch height 54,following the formula of ¼ the circumference, would be 1 unit long, or ⅕of width W. At the longest, assume W is eight units in width, and thepaper will be rolled two complete revolutions, with each revolutiontaking up four units. The resulting cigarette will have a double walland a circumference of 4 units. Arch height 54, following the formula of¼ the circumference, would be 1 unit long. Accordingly, arch height 54will be between ⅕ and ⅛ of width W. The arch height 54 is also referredto as the curve deflection.

This invention relates to the configuration of a rolling paper, and canbe applied to rolling papers of any type. By way of example only,rolling papers are made from cellulose, plant fibers, rice, flax, hempand tobacco. When made from cellulose, a synthetic or natural polymermay be selected. Several patents disclose the composition of rollingpapers as follows: U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,675 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,862and U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,754 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,684 and U.S. Pat.No. 8,701,681 the contents of which are incorporated herein by referencethereto. Rolling papers have a thickness on the order of severalmillimeters, or less than one millimeter, for example between 0.25 and0.75 mm. The rolling papers may be manufactured in a sheet or web ofindefinite length. The rolling papers may be cut from the web bydie-cutting, stamping or any other suitable means. The length L canrange between about 60 mm and about 100 mm, and the width W can rangebetween about 35 mm and about 45 mm. The curved edge can be formed bytrimming a rectangular paper.

Having described preferred embodiments for (which are intended to beillustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications andvariations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of theabove teachings. The curved edge can be of various geometries as long asthe central portion is longer than the end portions. Oval or ellipticalshapes are ideally suited, but other regular, irregular or compoundcurves may be employed as long as the transition between the curved edgeand the rectilinear side edges is smooth without sharp corners. The useof any rolling paper material, composition and manufacturing methods areintended to be included within the scope of the invention. It istherefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particularembodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope andspirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thusdescribed the invention with the details and particularity required bythe patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patentis set forth in the appended claims

What is claimed is:
 1. A cigarette rolling paper comprising one edgeshaped as a convex curve, and three straight edges.
 2. The cigaretterolling paper of claim 1, wherein said curve is a generally smoothcontinuous arc with no significant corners or inflection points.
 3. Thecigarette rolling paper of claim 2, wherein said curve is selected fromthe group consisting of a regular arc, an irregular arc, a circular arc,an elliptical arc and a complex arc.
 4. The cigarette rolling paper ofclaim 3, wherein the cigarette rolling paper is adapted to roll into acigarette having a circumference, wherein said curve includes adeflection having a length approximately ¼ of the circumference.
 5. Thecigarette rolling paper of claim 4, wherein said curve deflection isproportional to the size of the rolling paper.
 6. The cigarette rollingpaper of claim 5, wherein said curve includes a midpoint that is locatedin the middle of curved edge of the cigarette rolling paper.
 7. Thecigarette rolling paper of claim 6, wherein said curve includes onedeflection at each end of the cigarette rolling paper.
 8. The cigaretterolling paper of claim 1, wherein the cigarette rolling paper comprisescigarette papers of any size or material.
 9. The cigarette rolling paperof claim 1, further including glue at one end of the cigarette rollingpaper opposite said curve.
 10. The cigarette rolling paper of claim 9,wherein the cigarette rolling paper is adapted to roll into a cigarettebeginning at said curve and ending at said glue end.
 11. The cigaretterolling paper of claim 1, wherein the cigarette rolling paper has athickness between about 0.25 mm and about 2.00 mm, a length L betweenabout 60 mm and about 100 mm, and a width W between about 35 mm andabout 45 mm, and wherein the cigarette rolling paper is made from amaterial suitable for burning and human inhalation.
 12. An apparatus forhand rolling a cigarette comprising: a cigarette rolling paper having agenerally rectangular shape with three rectilinear sides and a onecurved side; said three rectilinear sides form three sides of a regularrectangle comprising (i) a first rectilinear side oriented perpendicularto a second rectilinear side, (ii) a third rectilinear side orientedperpendicular to said second rectilinear side, and (iii) said firstrectilinear side being parallel to said third rectilinear side; and saidcurved side comprising an elliptical arc having an arch height and anarch width that contacts the end points of said first and thirdrectilinear sides to form a closed figure; wherein said cigaretterolling paper has reflective symmetry about a central axis that iscollinear with the arch height.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe cigarette rolling paper is made from a material suitable for burningand human inhalation.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, where said curvedside is devoid of angular edges or sharp corners.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the second rectilinear side has a width W, and the arcis part of an ellipse having a major axis, wherein the length of themajor axis is between 1 and 10 times the width W.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the first and third rectilinear sides have a length Lminus deflection, and the arc is part of an ellipse having an archheight, wherein the length of the arch height is between ⅕ and ⅛ timesthe length L.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cigaretterolling paper has a thickness between about 0.25 mm and about 2.00 mm, alength L between about 60 mm and about 100 mm, and a width W betweenabout 35 mm and about 45 mm.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein theregion between the elliptical arc and the first and third rectilinearsides comprises a slope matched transition and includes a curvaturedifferent from the central portion of the elliptical arc.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the cigarette rolling paper is made froma material selected from cellulose, plant fibers, rice, flax, hemp andtobacco.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the elliptical arc is ageometric segment from an ellipse having a major axis that is betweenabout 2 times and about 10 times the length of the minor axis.